The Merced Bears got by the visiting Downey Knights football team by a score of 20-19 in Thursday's non-league challenge.

In their next game, the Bears face the Hilmar Yellowjackets (Hilmar, CA) in a non-league test, on Thursday, September 18. Merced will attempt to move on its 3-0 season record.

With the defeat, Downey drops to 0-2 on the campaign. The Knights host Amador Valley (Pleasanton, CA) to meet the Dons in a non-league test on Thursday, September 11. The Dons come into the test with a record of 1-1. Amador Valley lost 22-14 in their recent non-league challenge against Monterey Trail (Elk Grove, CA)